A ROYAL visitor and a top TV celebrity will give a local charity a boost next month.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and television star Chris Tarrant will be the guests at a charity reception and auction for the Daily Echo and Advertiser-backed Fiona Appleyard Appeal.

And tickets for an exclusive private reception, to be held before the main event, are still up for grabs.

The fund-raising event will be held at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel on Tuesday September 28 and appeal chariman Ken Male said he is certain it will prove to be a great success.

"We are delighted that both the Princess Royal and Chris Tarrant have agreed to attend this event," he said. "We still have tickets available and hope that as many people as possible can share in this special day."

Tickets for the private reception cost £250 each. There are 30 in total, with less than ten still for sale. Tickets to the main event cost £45 each.

The Fiona Appleyard Appeal is a local initiative of the Shaftesbury Society and has already raised more than £1 million for disabled children and adults across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The final phase of the appeal is raising money to provide independent living flats in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth for 18 disabled adults.

Currently under construction, the flats will include special equipment such as hoists and adjustable kitchen units and a resource centre with a coffee bar and physiotherapy suite.

"These flats will give disabled people the chance to live independently, have showers, cook meals and meet with friends," added Mr Male.

"Most of us take these things for granted. This appeal is about ensuring that disabled people can share those same choices."

Tickets for the champagne and canape reception are available from Tina Baker at the Fiona Appleyard Appeal office on 01425 280344.

First published: August 26